FTA to obligate funding for L.A. Metro East San Fernando light-rail project

The Federal Transit Administration yesterday sent a letter to the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (L.A. Metro) announcing the department's intention to obligate funds for the first phase of the East San Fernando Valley Transit Corridor light-rail line.

This is the second project to be considered as part of the U.S. Department of Transportation's Expedited Project Delivery Pilot Program.

When completed, the rail line will add a north-south connection between Pacoima and Van Nuys. The project calls for construction of 11 stations. The rail line will link to L.A. Metro’s G (Orange) bus rapid transit line and the Metrolink Ventura County line.

FTA's letter lays out several conditions that L.A. Metro must meet in the next two years to allow the project to be considered for a full funding grant agreement as part of the EPD Pilot Program. The maximum federal share of the project would be limited to $908.75 million, which is 25% of the current capital project cost of $3.6 billion.

"The eastern San Fernando Valley Corridor is one of the busiest transit corridors in the nation," said U.S. Transportation Deputy Secretary Polly Trottenberg in a press release. "This announcement is a big step toward creating more transit options, a better commute and cleaner air for residents in the San Fernando Valley and all of Los Angeles."